Timbuktu Institute - Week 4 - February 2026

The Malian Armed Forces (FAMa) conducted a major air operation in the Yanfolila district,neutralising around 50 terrorists. This surgical strike, made possible by accurate intelligence, destroyed a major logistics base and recovered large quantities of weapons and ammunition. This action is part of a drive by the Malian army to regain the initiative in areas formerly considered sanctuaries for armed groups.

Two days after the initial strike, reports confirm the effectiveness of the intervention in the Bougouni region, highlighting that this operation is one of the most significant in recent months in the south of the country. Beyond the human losses inflicted on terrorist groups, the focus is on the destruction of their mobility capabilities through the elimination of dozens of motorcycles and vehicles. This victory strengthens the confidence of local populations in the Malian air force's ability to secure rural areas.

Diplomacy: Partnerships with China and Iran

On the international stage, Mali is stepping up its policy of diversifying its strategic partners through new initiatives with Beijing and Tehran. These diplomatic exchanges aim to consolidate cooperation in key areas such as defence, infrastructure and the economy, illustrating Bamako's desire to break free from traditional Western influences. This rapprochement with the powers of the ‘Global South’ is seen as an essential lever for ensuring the country's national sovereignty and technological development.

Opening up access via the Senegal River

The project to turn the Senegal River into a permanent waterway to the Atlantic Ocean represents a major hope for the Malian economy, which has traditionally been constrained by its lack of a coastline. This initiative aims to transform the river into a genuine logistics corridor, offering a sovereign alternative to the ports of neighbouring countries. Ultimately, this project should reduce freight transport costs and stimulate regional trade, positioning Mali as a strategic river hub in West Africa.

Successful new strikes in the north and securing of the Zantiébougou area in the centre

The Malian army has announced the success of two additional air operations, this time targeting terrorist positions in the northern and central regions. These preventive strikes destroyed armed groups that were planning attacks on convoys and civilian populations, confirming the FAMa's ability to monitor and strike simultaneously on several fronts. This aerial responsiveness is presented as the cornerstone of Mali's new defence doctrine to protect the integrity of its territory.

In addition to the air strikes, ground search operations were successfully carried out in the Zantiébougou area, resulting in the neutralisation of several armed elements. These ground operations aim to dislodge the remnants of terrorist groups attempting to disrupt traffic on strategic roads in the south. The objective is to guarantee the free movement of people and goods, while sending a strong message about the permanent presence of the state in these localities.

Tribute to the Russian model for the Sahel

The Malian Minister of Defence officially praised the commitment of the Russian ‘defenders of the motherland’, holding them up as a model of courage and patriotism for the forces of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This speech highlights the deep roots of military cooperation between Bamako and Moscow, which is seen as a reliable and effective partnership in the face of security challenges. This statement reaffirms Mali's ideological choice to draw inspiration from Russian resilience to forge its own national destiny and ensure stability in the region.